Ingredients
Beef and Marinade
- 3 1/2 lb chuck roast, cut into 3-inch chunks
- 1/3 cup olive oil
- 3 tsp kosher salt (or to taste)
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 2 tsp cumin
- 2 tsp chili powder
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp paprika
Aromatics and Liquid
- 1 yellow onion, diced
- 2 garlic cloves, pressed
- 1/4 cup fresh lime juice
- 1 cup beef broth
To Serve
- Corn tortillas
- Red onion, thinly sliced
- Cilantro, chopped
- Sour cream
- Guacamole
- Cotija cheese
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Set your oven to 325°F (163°C) to prepare for slow braising the beef.
- Sear the Beef: Heat the olive oil in a large Dutch oven over medium-high heat. In batches, brown the beef chunks on all sides deeply to develop flavor. Remove and set aside.
- Cook the Aromatics: Reduce heat to medium, add diced onion and pressed garlic to the same pot, cooking until softened and lightly golden, about 4-5 minutes.
- Add Spices and Beef: Stir in salt, black pepper, cumin, chili powder, garlic powder, and paprika for about 1 minute in the pot, then return the seared beef chunks to the Dutch oven.
- Build the Braising Liquid: Pour in the fresh lime juice and beef broth, scraping up all browned bits from the bottom of the pot for enhanced flavor.
- Braise the Beef: Cover the Dutch oven with its lid and transfer to the oven. Cook for 2½ hours or until beef is fork-tender and shreds easily.
- Shred the Beef: Remove the pot from the oven and shred the beef directly inside using two forks. Stir to coat the shredded meat well with the braising juices.
- Assemble the Tacos: Warm the corn tortillas. Fill each with shredded beef and top with red onion slices, chopped cilantro, sour cream, guacamole, and crumbled Cotija cheese. Serve immediately.
Notes
- For extra heat, add chopped jalapeños or hot sauce to the toppings.
- Leftover shredded beef stores well in the fridge for up to 4 days or freezes for up to 3 months.
- Use a heavy, oven-safe pot like a Dutch oven for best braising results.
- If you prefer a thicker sauce, reduce the braising liquid over medium heat on the stovetop after shredding the beef.
- Warm tortillas over an open flame or in a dry skillet to add a slight char and smoky flavor.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 3 hours
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Mexican